Senator Baker Observes EMS Week, Proposes EMS Act Changes

HARRISBURG – Senator Lisa Baker was at the state Capitol Thursday to honor Pennsylvania's emergency medical services personnel and to introduce legislation to update the Commonwealth's Emergency Medical Services Act.

"The existing law has not been revised since 1985, but advancements in medicine and technology over the last 20 years have been tremendous," said Baker. "Current regulations do not match today's needs. We need bring our EMS system into the 21st century."

Baker's bill would reduce duplication of service and create a more coordinated and adaptive system by giving EMS personnel the tools they need to continue to provide quality medical care to those in need. The measure would also implement the EMS Scope of Practice used by the National Association of State EMS Officials.

"In Pennsylvania, more than 54,000 EMS workers respond to nearly 1.8 million emergency calls annually," she said. "We are thankful for their commitment, dedication and devotion to saving lives.

The event was organized in conjunction with the Department of Health to observe Pennsylvania's Emergency Medical Services Recognition Week (May 18-24, 2008).